Grantee Research Project Results
2003 Progress Report: Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
EPA Grant Number: R830838Title: Cardiovascular Responses to Particulate Exposure
Investigators: Christiani, David , Coull, Brent , Sioutas, Constantinos , Schwartz, Joel , Levy, Jonathan , Herrick, Robert , Magari, Shannon
Current Investigators: Christiani, David , Eisen, Ellen , Schwartz, Joel , Magari, Shannon
Institution: Harvard University , University of Southern California
Current Institution: Harvard University
EPA Project Officer: Chung, Serena
Project Period: May 5, 2003 through May 4, 2006 (Extended to May 4, 2009)
Project Period Covered by this Report: May 5, 2003 through May 4, 2004
Project Amount: $1,017,689
RFA: Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects: Cardiovascular Mechanisms (2002) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Human Health , Particulate Matter
Objective:
The overall objective of this research project is to investigate the role of exposure to ambient airborne particulates in the development of adverse cardiovascular responses to identify possible mechanisms of action. These relationships will be investigated in a community cohort living in close proximity to a large Boston, MA, bus terminal. The specific objective of this research project is to examine cardiovascular changes in healthy individuals and individuals with predisposing risk factors such as chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. Serum fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels also will be investigated in this group.
Progress Summary:
All equipment and supply orders were finalized and ordered. All necessary contracts with outside laboratories for Holter monitoring and blood and urine analyses were finalized. The informed consent and detailed questionnaire on occupational exposures, smoking history, respiratory and cardiac symptoms, and family history were finalized and translated into Portuguese and Spanish. The Access and Excel databases to compile this information were developed and finalized. Also, study personnel were trained.
Recruitment of study subjects from the North Dorchester-Roxbury, MA, neighborhoods began in October 2003, by obtaining a list of all eligible subjects, both healthy and compromised individuals. Compromised individuals were defined as those without asthma (adult onset, treated), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and hypertension more than 18 years old and had been seen at the clinic within the last 6 months. Initial contact was made through an informational mailing, with followup recruitment made via telephone.
Future Activities:
We will continue subject recruitment. All subjects will be asked to wear the Holter heart monitor in conjunction with the continuous PM2.5 monitor for a 24- to 48-hour period and have their blood drawn and urine collected. Subjects also will complete the detailed medical history, lifestyle questionnaire, and activity diary. All data obtained will be subjected to the outline quality control procedures and entered into the Access and Excel databases.
Preliminary data analyses will begin in the next reporting period.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 5 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
particulate matter, heart rate variability, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, ambient airborne particulates, fine particles, cardiovascular responses, predisposing risk factors, Holter monitoring, compromised individuals, asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, PM2.5, hypertension, diabetes, emphysema,, RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, Air, HUMAN HEALTH, particulate matter, air toxics, Health Risk Assessment, Exposure, Epidemiology, Risk Assessments, Susceptibility/Sensitive Population/Genetic Susceptibility, genetic susceptability, Biology, copollutant exposures, sensitive populations, atmospheric particulate matter, airway epithelial cells, cardiopulmonary responses, fine particles, PM 2.5, inhaled pollutants, acute cardiovascular effects, acute lung injury, stratospheric ozone, morbidity, air pollutants, motor vehicle emissions, automotive emissions, motor vehicle exhaust, air pollution, susceptible subpopulations, cardiac arrest, diesel exhaust, chronic health effects, lung inflammation, oxidant gas, particulate exposure, cardiopulmonary response, heart rate, human exposure, atmospheric aerosols, Acute health effects, inhaled, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, highrisk groups, human susceptibility, cardiotoxicity, cardiopulmonary, mortality, concentrated particulate matter, air contaminant exposure, air quality, environmental hazard exposures, toxics, airborne urban contaminants, cardiovascular disease, acute exposureProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.